Early NBA Power Rankings For 2013-14

March 25, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

#25. Los Angeles Lakers

2012-2013: 45-37 (7th seed)

Head Coach: Mike D’Antoni

Signed: Steve Blake, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Jordan Hill, Wesley Johnson, Chris Kaman, Jodie Meeks, Steve Nash, Robert Sacre, Nick Young

Rationale: If Kobe Bryant returns from his Achilles rupture quickly, the Lakers might be a fringe playoff team. If he misses a significant amount of time, the Lakers are staring at their first lottery since 2005. While the roleplayers were upgraded from last year, the Lakers also parted way with their best (i.e. only) two defenders this off-season. Even if the spacing is marginally better, this is still far from the ideal Mike D’Antoni roster.